Systematics of microhylid frogs, genus Oreophryne, living at high elevations in New Guinea. American Museum novitates ; no. 3495

Abstract

Oreophryne known from high elevations (2800-3900 m) in the mountains of New Guinea (Indonesia: Papua, and western Papua New Guinea) comprises six species, five described here as new. They constitute a group, probably but not necessarily monophyletic, characterized by relatively short hind legs, small digital disks, and small hands. We interpret these features as adaptations to a primarily terrestrial mode of life, contrasting to the scansorial/arboreal mode typical of most species of Oreophryne. Distinctive advertisement calls characterize four of the six species; calls of the remaining two are unknown. Identification of preserved specimens depends upon average or, less often, complete differences in certain body proportions and is not always possible with certainty.